Faint Clutch Smell - 6,000 Miles
 

I searched and it seemed like everyone who was concerned about clutch smells were <1000 miles or so. Just saying so I don't get yelled our for being lazy.

So last night I was forced to drive up a steep long hill in traffic (stupid cop didn't let me make a u-turn onto an empty and perfectly fine street after I explained that I had a manual). So it was stop and go traffic and the d-bag behind me stayed on my ass after I explained I have an manual and a slight roll back.

So long story short, my car had a little smoke coming out from the hood by the end of the long journey. It was burning clutch no doubt. So the rest of the journey was easy and once I got home there was still a faint clutch smell in the AC vents and I will get a whiff when I open the windows. Car acted fine, no slippage issue or anything.

Today I took it out and once I started the car I got a whiff of Clutch again. Thought maybe some was still left in the vents and may be normal. But after 2 mins of running the AC, the smell was gone. But I still get a whiff when the windows are open and every time I turn on the AC it's strong for about 30 seconds and seems to go away.

I had my GF push the clutch in and out while I had the engine running with the hood lifted and I could smell a faint smell right where the trans is. Should I be worried? First manual car I owned, but I never really beat it. Had a few spirited take offs and never had a clutch smell. I am taking my car in next Friday for an oil change and will ask them to check it.

I just am worried and want a fellow Twin owners opinion.

Cheers!

Don't worry, the smell will go away after awhile.

Had a slight hunch it would... but it's just nerve wrecking.

Next time, put on your hazzards and make the asshole go around you. Then you proceed as normal until another tailgating idiot occurs.

Here is a nice tactic..I don't know how big/long that hill is but when people start moving just wait and give yourself a lot of room and just coast at a nice 2mph. And when the automatic car behind you starts getting mad that your not inching every 2 secs just give em the bird.

If you're uncomfortable with the clutch engagement point on hills, use the e-brake to start. This way you can ride the clutch less.

-alex

You're fine.. The smell will dissipate over time..
As some already suggested.. Use ur handbrake on steep inclines so you don't ride the clutch.. Also pace yourself so you can remain in gear at low speeds and not have to use the clutch..
I had a 2004 forester XT that had one of those automatic hill brakes for the manual.. A simple gizmo that was quite useful.. Too bad they didn't pass it forward..

This is a required skill for anyone with manual - I encourage everyone to practice this on an inclined driveway or ramp where there won't be any traffic to deal with.

You start out as you normally would with feet on clutch/gas, but now one hand will engage the parking brake with the button held in. Slowly balance out your gas/clutch then ease out the parking brake. You're basically balancing three inputs now instead of two, and this will be tricky at first. Once you get the hang of it, it'll be second nature, and easier to do than heel/toe if you've ever tried that.

I tried e-brake method before and just need practice. I did leave room and tried stopping the least amount of times. But traffic was literally terrible and the hill was long and steep. I was on this hill for about 20 mins.

Thanks for the advice.